When to send out a holiday-themed piece?

Saanen · Dec 31, 2007

I've got a short story set around Christmas. I haven't been completely happy with it and last month sent it through my writer's group for a critique. I managed to find time this weekend to do some revisions, and I think it's ready to send out.

Should I wait until this summer, though? Should I go ahead and send it now? I'm hesitating because it just seems strange to send out a holiday-themed piece right after the holidays, but then again I hate to have it sitting on my hard drive for half a year for no reason. The market I plan to send it to first has a turnaround of less than two months; maybe I should send it to a market that won't get back to me for six months or so--that would solve the problem for me.

pdr · Dec 31, 2007

The general rule is...

that Christmas themed stories go out in June. Some magazines specify when they wanted holiday/special occasion pieces, read the guidelines.

I do suggest that you hang on to that story and get another one written and off to market instead.

Stijn Hommes · Jan 1, 2008

Some markets read only one issue ahead meaning that for monthlies, you could be looking at an October-November submission, but generally, you should wait until the summer. It worked a treat for me. I have been in exactly the same position you have been and it took me 3 years to get the story sold.

Saanen · Jan 1, 2008

I'll sit tight for now and send it out this summer, then. Thanks!

johnnysannie · Jan 1, 2008

Summer in most cases but you should read the individual publication guidelines (ALWAYS!!!) because some magazines want seasonal submissions as much as a year in advance so depending on the publication's desires, now might be the time.

DeleyanLee · Jan 1, 2008

Saanen said:
but then again I hate to have it sitting on my hard drive for half a year for no reason.

But it's not for "no reason." You're waiting for the market to open up. Just think of it more as "being prepared".

PinkUnicorn · Jan 16, 2008

most publishers ask for a 6 month timing... submit the story 6 month before the issue it should be in, is on newsstands.

here's a basic example:

New Year's Day = July
Valentines = August
Easter = October
Summer Vacation = January
Back to School = March
Halloween = April
Christmas = June

Not all publishers follow this rule, so be sure to check their guidelines to see if they say anything about submitting seasonal work. If they give you are chart to follow go with it, if not follow the 6 month rule.

JudyThomas · Jan 17, 2008

The Wild Rose Press, which publishes romantic fiction (including short stories) has a deadline of March 13 for Christmas 2008 stories. I don't know what genre you write, but just fyi. As someone else said, check the market you are interested in. They should have information like that on their submissions page.

When to send out a holiday-themed piece?

Saanen

pdr

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

Saanen

johnnysannie

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

PinkUnicorn

Tossing Elves in bed with Unicorns

JudyThomas